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How to Work From Home While Your Kids Are Home on Summer Break

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You’ve finally settled into a perfect rhythm. Post-drop-off, you grab a quick (hot) cup of coffee and get to work. You can spend the whole day networking, creating and getting your hustle on.

Except now, school is out for the summer and your kids are at home with you. Your beautiful angels will be home all day long. Just like that, your perfect work rhythm is seriously in jeopardy.

How to Work From Home While Your Kids Are Home on Summer Break

You may need to work in the evenings when your kids are home with you for their summer vacation.

With a few tweaks, though, you can still work from home during summer break.

Work From Home Solutions: Find Child Care

Summer Camp

Behold the beauty that is summer camp. Your children will be having glorious adventures every weekday during regular school hours. You, on the other hand, will be able to stick to your perfect work schedule.

Unlike (public) school, however, you will have to pay for the privilege of keeping your kids busy. Luckily for military families, there are many scholarships and even free camping opportunities out there! And there are endless camping possibilities. From your basic day camp to specialty activity camps to sleep-away camps, there truly is something for everyone.

Even if you only use summer camps for a few weeks, this option can seriously keep your work groove in the zone.

Mother’s Helper

What if a magical person came to your house for a few hours a day to entertain your children? These angels from heaven do exist and they are called mother’s helpers.

Mother’s helper is a perfect job for an older middle school or young high school student during summer break. It’s a great bridge between being a child and being an independent babysitter. Plus, mother’s helpers usually command slightly lower rates because you, the parent, will be home.

Additionally, you will be helping another young entrepreneur get his or her start in the business world! Ask around your church, social groups or schools. You never know who has a child that wants to gain child care experience.

Enlist Your Spouse

One of the perks of being a work-at-home-parent is that you can pull double duty as the primary caregiver and a breadwinner. But you absolutely need some alone time to work or just get out of the house. Schedule some time for your spouse to step into your shoes. Then you can set up shop in a cafe with wifi to work and enjoy a delicious latte or two.

Other Child Care Options

Set up play dates or child care swaps with other families during the week. Create a backyard full of entertainment with kiddie pools, sandboxes and maybe a swing set. Or head to a playground to change things up. You should definitely use every minute of naptime and create rest time for children who no longer nap.

Worst-case scenario? You might be pulling some night shifts to get your work done.

Work From Home Solutions: Workflow Optimization

Planning

Make sure that you know what you’re doing in your limited time. On Sunday night, after the kids are asleep, write everything down in your weekly planner. Include your kid’s activities, your work commitments and other tasks to complete.

Make note of any days when you know that you might need to get work done at night. Also be sure to include a countdown to any big project deadlines. This way you can mentally prepare and plan in advance.

Batch Your Work

Working from home means you wear a lot of different hats all the time. When you’re planning your work week, try to keep similar tasks on the same day.

For example, plan to schedule social media posts on Mondays and write new blog posts on Tuesdays. Or micro-batch things, like answering emails during your first 20 minutes and then make 1 sales call immediately after.

Cut the Extras

Figure out what is the core of your business and focus on that during the school-free months.

If you are self-employed or a freelancer, this can be easier. In the summer, try to keep it simple. It might be a good idea to think carefully about taking on new projects, clients or commitments. Unless you have found a way to carry your school-year schedule into summer, your work time might be significantly impacted.

For current projects, stick to the basics and essentials. Think about what you absolutely have to do to keep going.

If you work for someone else, now is a great time to remind your employer that your children will need more of your time during the summer. Ask about flexible scheduling, like working more nights and fewer days if you are on the clock. If your schedule will be drastically altered, see if you can work part-time or be used as a backup.

Work From Home Solutions: Spend Time Together

As important as work is, cherish these fleeting summers spent with your children. Even while you maintain your business or career, schedule in lots of time for fun day trips and vacations.

After all, that’s part of the appeal of working from home, right? You can enjoy your kids’ childhood and rock your career dreams!

Do you work from home? What do you do with your kids during summer vacation?

How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

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When trying to make that rental property or on-post house feel like home, if you are anything like me, adding something green and growing is a must. Two (green) thumbs up if that new home also has room on the back deck from some container gardening, or better yet, enough yard space for a garden.

But no matter how hard you work to cultivate that bumper crop of cucumbers or nurture the philodendron that has occupied the corner of your living room for so long it’s practically a family member, PCSing often means you have to leave your plants behind.

How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another?

But, if you happen to be preparing for a CONUS PCS, then you may just be able to take some of your little leafy friends with you. It just takes a little bit of planning.

Before you move any plant, make sure you check local laws for both the state you are departing and the one you are about to call home.

Some states restrict or prohibit the import or export of some types of plants. The reasons are many. The most common of which is that some plants can destroy or negatively impact local habitats, so check the law first.

House Plants

Some packing companies will allow you to ship plants, especially if the pick-up and delivery dates are a week or less apart. If your mover will ship plants, ask if they have special boxes for just this sort of thing.

If not, you can prepare your plants for shipment by lining the inside of a sturdy box (big enough to completely surround your plant) with plastic. You’ll also need enough bubble wrap to pack the plant in the box to keep it from tipping over.  You might also consider cutting some holes in the side or top of the box to let as much light into the box as possible without damaging the integrity and sturdiness of the box.

Oh, and make sure your plants are the last thing on the truck. It will help make sure they don’t get damaged because something heavy gets stacked on top and it will ensure they are the first thing off the truck when the movers arrive at your new address.

Most indoor plants can survive in the darkened conditions of a packing box with a good watering for about 3 to 5 days. If it’s going to be longer than that before your household goods arrive, then consider shipping it ahead to a friend or ask a neighbor to ship it to you after you get to your duty station.

If your plan is to keep your plants with you, say in the back of your car while you are moving, just make sure you give them some time in the sun and if temperatures get extreme (too hot or too cold) take them inside with you when you stop to rest for the night.

Outdoor Plants

For outdoor plants, the process gets a little trickier. You can give yourself a head start by planning for a potential move when your first plan your garden. And just like house plants, if you are going to ship an outdoor plant, the trip can’t be more than 3 to 5 days inside a box.

Bulbs are a great option for replanting. Daffodils, tulips, peonies and countless others all start with a bulb. While you can dig up bulbs at any time during the year, it’s best to try to pull them out of the ground before spring (this might mean the previous fall if you have a heavy winter season.) Allow your bulbs to dry a bit away from sun and wind and then store them in a paper bag. They are fragile, so pack them like you would anything else that is breakable.

Small shrubs and trees can also be transported without too much hassle. When removing them for transport, just make sure you keep the entire root ball intact. Wrap the entire ball in plastic, and then use paper or plastic wrap to ensure the remainder of the plant isn’t damaged during the move.

If taking a big bush or tree with you isn’t possible, consider taking a cutting. Roses, violets, begonias, citrus trees, poinsettias and geraniums are popular option. Take the time to research the best way to take a cutting for each type of plant and just like the other options, try to limit the time the cuttings are without sunlight and water to no more than 5 days.

If you happen to grow plants with seeds that are easily harvested, like watermelon or squash, take the time to dry the seeds, then store them in a paper envelope and when the season is right, plant the newest generation at your new home.

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another? What tips would you offer?

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

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“Ummmm, I think I forgot the third copy of his health certificate!”

My face was absolutely panicked as I rechecked my dog’s travel folder, for the third time. I had put everything in there, in order, as directed. I had read all the rules 30 times, at least.

But we were still here, on the way to the airport and not sure what happened to that third copy of the health certificate.

Before you take off, make sure that you completely prepare your pet for air travel.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Do you have any tips for traveling with pets?

Before You Book

Unless you are traveling on PCS orders, you might have a little more flexibility with flights. Do some research into different airlines, where they fly and their pet policies.

Some airlines only allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. Others will allow animals in the cabin and in cargo, but only in the continental United States. There are just a handful of carriers that will transport pets in the cargo area overseas.

There are also size restrictions for pets flying in the cabin. Every airline is slightly different, so be sure to triple check your pet and his travel carrier before you pay. For pets flying in cargo, there are different charges based on the size and weight of your pet plus her kennel.

Additionally, there are temperature restrictions, especially for pets in cargo. Typically, pets are not allowed to fly if it is over or under a certain temperature. This is for their safety and comfort, as well as for your peace of mind.

Your pet should also be checked out by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are PCSing overseas since your furry friend will need a clean bill of health to move with you. Your vet can help you work through any concerns you might have, like age or anxiety, and make recommendations to keep your pet comfortable during the trip.

Pet Prep

After you book, do some research into kennel requirements. Most airlines have specific rules about the size of the kennel compared to the size of the pet. Be sure you are getting the correct kennel for your flight!

Once you have the kennel, get your pet used to it. Make it a safe space where he is rewarded. Start feeding your pet in the kennel. Give treats whenever your dog follows your command to go into the kennel. You could also move his pet bed into the space or set it up by your cat’s scratching post.

Another idea is to make trips fun. Take your pet for car rides in the kennel, ending at a dog park or back home. Give lots of praise, cuddles and treats for good behavior.

If your pet is very anxious about flying, talk to your vet about possible solutions. You should also be checking in with your vet or seeking treatments according to the pet import or travel rules of your destination.

Week Before the Trip

Pay another visit to your vet’s office. Have your vet double-check your pet’s health. Be sure to ask for a certificate of health.

Depending on where you are traveling, there may be different health certificate requirements. When traveling overseas, many countries require a USDA certified veterinarian to complete a health certificate within 10 days before the pet’s arrival. Different countries also require various vaccines, microchipping and quarantine procedures.

Your vet can help with all of these. Most military veterinary treatment facilities are well versed in the pet travel rules, especially for PCSing families.

The week before your trip, you should also gather your supplies:

  • pet pee pads
  • water and food containers
  • zip ties
  • kennel labels

Now is also a great time to really make sure that you have all the copies you need of your paperwork. You do not want to be driving to the airport when you realize you’re a copy short!

Night Before the Trip

Get your kennel ready. Place the pee pads inside and tape a few extra inside of a ziplock baggie to the top of the kennel. Freeze water inside of the water bottle or bowl. This way it won’t spill everywhere during take-off. Place labels on the kennel and be sure that your information is visible. Make a few baggies of food for your pup. Tape these to the kennel as well.

Prepare your paperwork too. Secure these as directed by the airline, usually in another ziplock or watertight bag on the outside of the kennel. Keep a few extra copies in your carry-on bag, just in case.

Make sure that you have a copy of your pet’s flight itinerary, especially if he is flying separately from you or in cargo. Take a picture of him on your phone for visual identification in case there are questions or concerns later on.

In your luggage, make sure you have everything you will need for your pet at your destination. Also, pack some baby wipes and maybe a travel-size bottle of fabric spray.

Right Before You Fly

Take your pet for a nice long walk in the morning to get some energy out. Feed him according to your vet’s instructions and administer any medication as directed (and legal). Many airlines won’t fly animals that have been sedated, so clear that with your vet and check the airline’s policy.

At the airport, before you drop off your pet or before you board, make sure to take one last walk. Offer lots of praise and love as you kennel your fur baby. Make sure there is enough water in the container and that the food is ready to go as needed.

Have your pet’s paperwork ready to go at check-in. Keep the zip ties handy for securing kennels going cargo.

If your pet is flying in the cabin, keep a small empty pet water bottle with you through security. Fill it up at a water fountain before you board. Keep food and treats, as well as any medicines, in your carry-on bag.

When You Land

After you deplane or reunite with your pet, take her out for a potty break right away. If there has been an accident in the kennel, now is the time to deploy those baby wipes. Clean up your pet and their crate, replace the pee pad and maybe give a quick spritz of that fabric spray.

I went back through my folder one last time.

And I finally found that third copy of the health certificate. We were all set to fly!

What are your tips for traveling with pets?

 

Military Retirement or Promotion Gifts Your Service Member Will Treasure

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Promotions and retirements are marked with a ceremony and plenty of military pomp and circumstance. But in addition to all of the official protocols, a thoughtful gift can help show your support to their military career and provide a reminder of their years of service when it is time to retire or transition.

Do a quick online search and you’ll find thousands of vendors offering up some really great promotion or retirement gift ideas. It can be a little overwhelming.

How do you pick the right gift? The one that says “I support and love you” and “I am proud of your accomplishments?”

Here are 10 ideas to inspire you.

Military Retirement or Promotion Gifts Your Service Member Will Treasure

Have you given your service member a promotion gift that he or she loved?

For Promotion

The Traditional Black Pen

No soldier’s uniform is complete without a black pen, so they make a perfect gift. Just make sure the barrel isn’t too wide to fit into the pen slot on their uniform and make sure the color is within regulation. Have it engraved with the new rank and date of promotion or total days of service. You might even consider making this gift a tradition with each promotion. That way, you’ll have a whole collection when it comes time to transition or retire.

A Cup of Memories

Coffee, tea, water or beer, pick his or her favorite beverage and make it a promotion gift. Have it personalized to reflect the new rank or a motto that resonates with your spouse.

Books of Interest

Consider a military strategy book or a biography of a military hero as a gift. Make the gift even more special by asking members of the service member’s unit to add a note of encouragement to the inside pages.

Photographs

Make sure you take photos of the promotion ceremony and consider having professional photos taken with your newly promoted family member. If you are having a post-promotion celebration, make sure you take a group photo and have attendees sign the matting or a card that can be included when the picture is framed.

Tools of the Trade

As service members move up in the ranks, their responsibilities grow. Consider gifts that help them establish their office or help them in the field. Things like a name placard for their desk or a multi-purpose utility tool.

For Military Retirement

The Shadow Box

All of those old unit insignia, rank pins, medals and awards perfectly arranged into a piece of art. Go traditional or something a little more unique, shadow boxes are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Check out these ideas or if you’re feeling up to it, this gift makes for a great DIY project.

Flags

Many veterans like to fly flags in front of their homes. With a little advanced planning, you can request a U.S. flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capital. Or consider coordinating with the installation command of a favorite duty station and request a flag flown there.

If your service member is just beginning their career, consider purchasing a flag at your first duty station and have it flown at each one up until retirement! Just make sure you observe proper flag protocols as you take it from place to place. You might also consider a Corp or Branch flag. Check your local exchange or military surplus store to buy your flag.

Words of Wisdom

Ever hear that story about the Dad who bought a copy of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” and had his child’s teacher’s sign it as she was growing up and then gave the book to her at graduation? As service members grow through the ranks, they serve with many leaders. Consider modifying this idea by finding a really great military leadership book and having unit leadership add a note to your service member as they depart each duty station.

Or use social media to reach out to those service members your spouse served with in the past and ask them to send you a card or note, along with a picture, that you can have printed into a bound memory book.

Memory Boxes

Kind of like a hope chest, memory or keepsake boxes are wooden chests used to house all of the memories of service. You could include a uniform, pictures, awards and all the other bits and pieces that come with a long military career.

A Lasting Impact

Consider donating to a nonprofit organization and purchasing a stone or plaque in your service member’s honor (Check out the Name-A-Seat program at the Pritzker Military Museum). This gift takes a little more research, but if there is a cause or location near and dear to your service member, this might be the perfect way to commemorate their service and give back at the same time.

Have you given your service member a gift that he or she loved? Tell us about it in the comments section.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

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It’s PCS season. You are either moving into a new neighborhood or someone new is moving into your neighborhood.

Finding a friendly face can make all the difference in adjusting to a new home. Here are 5 creative ideas on how to welcome your new neighbors.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

Deliver a Home-Cooked Meal

There’s nothing quite like home-cooked food when you’ve been eating out during a PCS. Think about how long you actually go without a good home-cooked meal when moving. You stop cooking ahead of packing to make sure everything is clean, organized and ready to be boxed up. Then your kitchen gets packed and you find your family eating out until everything is unpacked in your new home. That can be a lot of takeout meals or at least microwaved dinners.

Welcome your new neighbors with something you’ve cooked. It doesn’t need to be a whole meal. You could make lasagna, enchiladas, a pasta dish or a breakfast casserole. A one plate meal makes clean up easy for the new family and they will be grateful to have a home-cooked meal. You could also bake cookies, brownies or sweet bread. Anything homemade will be welcomed over takeout.

Give Them Your Favorite Local Takeout Menus

If you aren’t that ambitious or you just aren’t sure what the family likes to eat, bring them local takeout menus. It can be fun trying new restaurants when moving to a new area, but it also can be intimidating. You don’t want to waste your money on something that turns out not to be good. If you don’t know anyone locally to ask their opinion on restaurants, you just have to try them and find out first-hand.

A list of good restaurants and perhaps restaurants to avoid is a great welcome gift to new neighbors. You likely have some takeout menus in your junk drawer at home so you won’t even have to make a trip out.

Offer to Pick Up Basic Essentials from the Commissary

Unpacking is a daunting task. You have to get most of the boxes out of the kitchen before you can go to the commissary and get groceries in order to make a meal.

Welcome your new neighbors by offering to pick up a few basic things for them when you go to the commissary. A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs or some fresh fruit can go a long way in making someone feel at home.

Bringing over a few basics is a good way to make friends and help them settle in. Of course they will have to do a big shopping trip at some point, but bringing over some basics to get them started is really nice.

Share Your Knowledge About the Area

Finding your way around a new city can take a long time. Having a neighbor that knows the area in and out can be great. You can offer suggestions on where to eat, shop, play and explore.

Ask your new neighbors what kind of things they like to do. If they like to be outdoors, perhaps you could share information on good hiking and camping locations or outdoor recreation facilities. If the family has young children, let them know where child-friendly places are. Is there a zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens or children’s museum nearby? Let them know about traffic too. What time is rush hour and are there any roads to avoid at certain times? Valuable information can be as good of a welcome gift as a physical present.

Bring Over a Welcome Basket

If you are a creative and crafty person and want to bring over a gift, Pinterest has plenty of ideas for welcome baskets. There are a lot of clever and puny sayings to go with them as well.

One idea would be to make a movie night basket. You could put together a movie, movie theater tickets or Red Box code for a free movie night along with popcorn. Add a note that says “Just poppin’ in to say welcome to the neighborhood.”

Another idea would be to drop off a house plant with a note that says “We’re so glad the Navy (or whichever branch is applicable) planted you here.”

There are tons of ideas like these available online or perhaps you are clever enough to come up with one of your own.

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy. Take the first step in making friends and go over and introduce yourself. Who knows, it could be your next best friend moving in.

What is the best welcome gift you’ve received from your neighbors?

Why a PCS Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

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While supporting a parent’s military career, military children are asked to leave behind the familiar and embark on the unknown. The school they finally learned their way around, the best friends they’ve made and even the perfect bedroom must be given up when the PCS orders are cut.

Managing that transition as parent can be especially hard when you are worried about household goods and travel plans.

But here is an easy-to-remember acronym to help you mitigate any of the fears and angst your kids might have about PCSing: Frame, Acknowledge, Include, Re-engage and Support.

Why PCSing Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

Try these 5 tips to smooth the PCS transition for your military child.

Frame the PCS in a Positive Light

Kids are so quick to pick up on our moods and fears, so even though you might be freaking out about moving to someplace you’ve never heard of, try to frame the idea of moving in a positive way.

Try to think of moving as your next great family adventure.

Talk about how moving helps your family support their service member parent and why their service is so important. Emphasize the positive possibilities like making new friends, seeing different parts of the country or world, trying new foods, and remind them that you get to do it all as a family.

Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings

A certain amount of resistance and fear about a move is to be expected and completely natural. Make sure you acknowledge any fears your children might have about moving and discuss ways to overcome those fears.

It’s OK to share that you are a little nervous about the move yourself, but don’t stew in those feelings. Take steps to help keep your frame of mind positive.

Include Your Children in the Planning Process

Try to include your kids in the planning stages, if they are old enough. Things like having them help with your pre-packing garage sale or planning the route you will be taking as you travel between duty stations can help kids feel like they have a role in your move.

If you can, incorporate some leave time during your transition and include some quality family time as part of your relocation process. A weeklong cross-country road trip means you’ll have the opportunity to stop and see things you’ve never seen before and may never see again. Create memories that will give your family something to laugh, cry or smile about. You don’t have to spend a ton of money, there are all kinds of amazing sites across the country (and abroad) that just require your time and appreciation. A little online research can help you find those kind of places.

And while you’re surfing the web, spend some time learning about your new duty station and then daydream together about things you’d like to do or see when you arrive.

Re-Engage in Normal ASAP

This part takes a little bit of planning on your part, but it’s another way to include your kids before the move. If you’ve got a soccer player or dancer or artist-in-the-making, find at least one activity you know they will enjoy and try to get them involved right away. It will give them something to look forward to and create a sense of the familiar in a new place.

Also, when it comes to unpacking, consider setting up your children’s rooms first. The sooner you can get back into your family routines, the better.

Before you leave your old duty station, be sure you get good contact information – cell phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses for friends you are leaving behind. A regular letter or Skype session is a great way to stay connected and it can really help kids who are moving (and those who are left behind) feel a little less isolated.

Support Your Child Through This Transition

No matter how many plans we make, there will always be that bump in the road we can’t possibly prepare for. Make a point to really talk to your kids about their feelings and listen to their concerns during your transition and after you arrive at your duty station (and for months afterward!).

Change is hard. Remind them that their feelings are normal. Then make sure you talk about things you can do as a family to help make the transition a little easier.

Have a conversation with your military child about moving. Ask them: What aspects of the PCS do you think stink? How can I make moving better for you?

KLEENEX Brand and SALUTE Honor a Hero at Charlotte Motor Speedway

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​The Memorial Day holiday has special meaning to many Kimberly-Clark families, and this past weekend, our KLEENEX Brand – in partnership with Disney-Pixar and JTG Daugherty Racing – honored one of those families on the No. 37 Kleenex-sponsored NASCAR, driven by Chris Buescher, during the 600 Miles of Remembrance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

This special car was painted to resemble Lightning McQueen, the main character in the upcoming Cars 3 movie, which was a big win for our KLEENEX Brand’s ongoing partnership with Disney.

Chris Buescher comes in for a pit stop during the 600 Miles of Remembrance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway

However, the team quickly realized that this high-profile opportunity with Disney-Pixar also created the opportunity to prominently pay tribute to a K-C family member who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  They reached out to Kurt Rodine and our SALUTE employee resource group for help to identify a family to honor.

“Requesting this type of info is a bittersweet ordeal,” says Kurt.  “It is great that we get the opportunity to honor a fallen warrior, but the fact that we are honoring them means they have given everything they had to our country.”

The team selected a nomination from Ken Schell, Operations Manager at our New Milford facility, to honor Special Warfare Officer 1st Class (SO1) Jason Lewis. SO1 Lewis was a member of the US Navy SEALs and was killed in combat in 2007 in Bagdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The team worked with Schell and the family to have Lewis’ name printed on the windshield of the car for the duration of the race.

Members of the JTG racing team install a new windshield with Special Warfare Officer 1st Class (SO1) Jason Lewis’ name at the top

Ken shared a statement from Jason’s mom, Jean, and the Lewis family: “Jason was a strong, determined, committed young man who only had the mindset to succeed. He would push through any roadblock to do what was best for his family and country. Jason’s steps throughout his life were determined by God who was always a force in his life. We appreciate racing team for remembering our loved one on this Memorial Day.”

 

Healthy Meals You Can Make When You’re Living in a Hotel

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With suitcases and PCS orders in hand, many of us will be spending our summer nights trying to keep ourselves and the kids entertained, be it a movie night or at the hotel pool.

Healthy Meals You Can Make When You're Living in a Hotel

You can keep your family fed and content while living in a hotel. Here are our tips for healthy eating when you are living in a hotel for an extended period of time.

The normally easy chore of figuring out what to eat, however, often becomes a debate over which fast-food joint or sit-down restaurant to dine in. But for those of us watching our budgets and our waistlines, what we wouldn’t give for a wholesome, healthy home-cooked meal.

What if I told you it was possible to save money and still eat healthy, even without the convenience of a full kitchen?

Keep the family fed and content while living in a hotel?

You can do it. Here’s how.

Assemble Your Make-Shift Kitchen

First, a little preparation is necessary. If you know that you’ll be away from home and want to try to avoid eating out every night, consider buying or bringing an electric griddle and crockpot. Between the two of them, you can cook just about anything.

You’ll also need a large tote that you can push under the bed or store in a closet as your make-shift pantry. Stock it with non-perishable must-have items like cereal, a handful of your favorite spices (we like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper), a box of your favorite baking mix, a couple cans of cream-of-something soup, canned beans and other vegetables, your favorite sweetener (sugar, stevia or maple syrup) and olive oil.

Toss in a good kitchen knife, a couple of wooden spoons, some resealable kitchen bags and a cutting board, and you’re all set.

Bonus points if you have a small blender or food processor (like a Ninja) and can manage to bring it along. It can make things like homemade salad dressing, salsa, smoothies or even a margarita.

Bonus tip: If you do stop for a quick bite to eat here and there, consider keeping any unused condiment packets. They come in handy and generally don’t require refrigeration.

Plan Your Meals

This is kind of an eat-at-home staple chore, but if you’ve decided to choose homemade while traveling, it’s even more important. The key is planning meals that won’t require a lot of refrigerated ingredients. Even still, be prepared to shop every few days, if not daily.

Not sure what to plan? Here are some easy, no-cook recipes to inspire you.

Breakfast Options

If you have access to a refrigerator, a half-gallon of milk and a wholesome, vitamin-packed cereal can make breakfast a snap. Pair it with a banana and half of an English muffin with a bit of peanut butter and you’ve got the kind of balanced breakfast all the cereal commercials boast about.

No refrigerator? Consider buying the small, vacuum-sealed boxes of milk or powdered milk from the baking aisle. The small quantity of each box makes it easy to only use what you need.

Not a cereal person? Go continental. A couple of fresh-baked bagels or croissants, a little hard cheese and fruit makes for the perfect morning meal.

Wants something a little more special? Try some overnight oats. Just mix equal parts of oats and milk or yogurt. Then add fruit, spice and sweetener: add pumpkin puree, a drizzle of maple syrup and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (like this recipe) or try slicing in bananas and a couple of tablespoons of hazelnut spread. Mix the ingredients in a cup or bowl and leave in the refrigerator overnight (6 to 8 hours) and presto-chango, you’ve got a hearty, healthy and delicious breakfast with absolutely zero cooking!

Simple Entrees That You Can Prepare in Your Hotel Room

If you’re anything like me, warmer temperatures bring the desire to eat light. Thankfully, lighter fare lends itself to easy preparation.

If you have your electric griddle, try cooking up a couple of chicken breasts (or purchase a rotisserie chicken), dice it up and toss it in a bowl with a chopped head of broccoli, some sunflower seeds and a handful of sliced grapes. Add a little bit of sour cream, yogurt or mayo and you’ve got a delicious chicken salad that goes great on a sandwich or is perfect for topping your favorite crackers.

Are you a seafood lover? Fresh seafood is what summer is all about at my house. Fresh fish or shrimp is quick to cook or you can even drop it in a resealable bag with some citrus juice and spices. Cooking is not required. Check out this recipe for no-cook shrimp, Mediterranean style.

Easier still, skip the meat and look to beans for your protein like in this delicious Southwest Salad. Just chop, toss and dig in.

Do you have any amazing meals that you’ve prepared in a hotel room? Submit your recipes to MilitaryShoppers’ monthly recipe contest today.

5 Tips for Getting Your Security Deposit Back

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It’s PCS season and that means it’s time to move out of your rental. How did your family treat the home you rented? Do you deserve to get part or all of your security deposit back?

No doubt you’re going to be putting down a security deposit on your next home so it would be nice to get this one back. Here are 5 tips to getting your security deposit back.

5 Tips for Getting Your Security Deposit Back for Your Rental Home

What tips do you have for getting your security deposit back?

Document the Condition of the Rental the Day You Move In

Getting a full refund of your security deposit starts on the first day of renting. It is important to document the condition of the home you are renting at the beginning of that rental period.

When you first moved in, you should have gotten a checklist from the rental company. This list is where you document any damage that the home currently has.

Some rental companies and owners are very lenient, while others are very strict. They may also be very nice at the beginning of your rental period and make you think you don’t need to document every detail. Don’t fall for that. Write down everything. You don’t want them to come back at the end of your rental time and say you caused any damage to the home that you did not cause, no matter how big or small.

Take time to thoroughly inspect each room and the outside of the home. Write down any holes in the walls or floors and any marks, scratches or dents on surfaces.

If there are screens on the windows or doors, note any damage to them.

Look at the garage door. Are there any dents?

Check the rugs for spots. Make sure they were cleaned before you moved in.

Take photos of any damage. Make a copy of those pictures and submit them with the checklist. Have the rental company manager co-sign this list and keep a copy in your records.

Read Your Lease Carefully and Note What You Are Responsible For

Your lease should state whether the tenant or owner is responsible for certain situations. Sometimes random things are thrown in there, such as calking. In some homes the owner is responsible for a burst pipe, while tenants are responsible in others. You should know this before disaster strikes. Pest control can also vary between those responsible.

If you want to get back your entire security deposit, make sure you know what you are required to do.

You also need to know the rules and if you don’t agree with something, talk to the property manager or owner before you sign the lease. Does the lease say no walking or riding bikes on the grass? If you aren’t likely to follow that, find out if you can have it removed from the contract. Many companies use a standard lease. You can likely get an amendment added to the lease.

Fix Damages Before Your Move Out Inspection

Once you know what you are responsible for, make sure you fix anything you need to. Did your child write on the walls? Don’t lose your security deposit over that. Clean the walls. Did your teenager hang up every poster they own? If you have an abundant amount of holes in the walls, fill them in.

Did your pet damage anything? You likely had to make a pet deposit before you moved in. That doesn’t necessarily cover the damages they caused. Check windowsills and stairs for chew marks. Try to buff out any scratches a pet made in the floors.

If you broke a screen, a towel rack or doorknob, make sure to replace them. It will likely be cheaper than the rental company paying someone to fix it and will keep you from getting a full refund on your security deposit.

Clean the Home Before the Move Out Inspection

Look at your lease to see if you need to hire a professional to clean or if you can do it yourself. Some rental companies require a receipt from a cleaning company or at least a carpet cleaning company. Follow the cleaning rules to make sure you get your security deposit back.

Know what needs to be cleaned as well. Do you need to clean the oven? Read your lease to find out how you need to leave the yard if you have one. Do you need to pick up pet litter or mow the grass? Ensure everything is clean before your move out walk through if you want your security deposit back.

Do a Final Walk Through with the Rental Company and Follow Up to Make Sure You Get Your Security Deposit Back

To get your security deposit back, make sure you do a final walk through with the rental company. Have the checklist you did when you moved in so that you can refer to it if they say you caused damage to something you know was already damaged.

Likewise, make a checklist of items you did damage, but did not repair. Have the rental company sign off on the list to agree what is damaged so that they do not spring anything on you later.

Finally, follow up with the company to ensure you get your security deposit back quickly. Each state has a set time frame that security deposits must be returned by.

What are your tips for getting your security deposit back when moving out of your rental home? Share them in the comments section.

If They Made Military Spouse Medals, We’d Want These

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Our military men and women earn medals, ribbons and awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. Well, military spouses certainly serve in their own way in their own communities, just with much less recognition.

If They Made Military Spouse Medals, We'd Want These

What medals, ribbons or awards do you think military spouses earn during their military life journey?

If military spouses were to earn medals, ribbons or awards, these are a few that we would like to see.

If They Made Military Spouse Medals, We’d Want These

Faithful Friend Award

Military spouses stick together through thick and thin. We show up, with snacks and drinks, during the worst of times. From pinch-hitting on child care to celebrating birthdays, we are there for each other. Sometimes, we even fill in for deployed spouses during birth and delivery!

Through thick and thin, our military spouse friendships sustain and support us across the miles.

Positive PCS Ribbon

We don’t get to pick where we live and most times, we don’t get even a little bit of a say or even a top 5 list. Instead, no matter where we land, we try to make the very best of any situation.

Before we even move, we research new schools, parks and local attractions in our new hometown. We are pumping up the kids and ourselves, planning fun experiences and decorating new bedrooms.

Balanced Budget Campaign Medal

Military salaries are not plush when compared to the amount of risk and work taken to earn them. Military spouses are often forced to take salaries below their education level or remain unemployed, due to frequent moves. Balancing that tight budget can be tricky.

Through dedicated coupon cutting and savvy shopping, we somehow figure it out. We serve nutritious meals. We purchase clothes to suit every clime and place. And we keep a roof over our heads, even if that home has very white walls.

It’s not easy, but we make it work!

Career Flexibility Merit Award

Military spouses are ambitious. Many of us have college degrees, some of us even have advanced education. Others have certifications in a slew of careers, from beauty to child care. We are always trying to find that next thing, at the next duty station.

Despite all that education and planning, military spouses are notoriously underemployed or unemployed. Yet, we take the setbacks and hiccups in our careers in stride. When we can’t find something that perfectly suits our background, we create positions or retrain in a different field. We volunteer to learn new skills.

Above all, we are flexible and willing to meet the needs of the military. Even when that means sacrificing a job that we love.

Meritorious Volunteer Ribbon

When a military unit needs something handled, the military spouse is right there. We are ready to serve in volunteer positions both on and off base. From family readiness groups to religious organizations, we are more than willing to step in.

Military units rely on us to organize care packages, host family fun days and activate phone trees. Without us, so many necessary tasks wouldn’t get accomplished.

Family Travel Agent Award

Everyone loves a vacation! Military spouses are experts at planning economical and fun adventures. We work those military discounts like a boss.

We search out places that will cut us a deal on hotels, cruises and airfare. From Disney’s Military Salute discounted tickets to Sandal’s 10% discount, we are like bloodhounds for the best deals.

Facebook Friendship Medal

Facebook and blogs have created connections between military spouses across continents and around the world. We reach out to each other online with questions, concerns and helpful hints. Facebook groups help us to find job leads and the best restaurants in our new hometown.

Social media is our sounding board and go-to place for stand-in therapists. We get the dirt on Tricare rules and regulations, and can ask the what-ifs of life. Even after our spouses have left active service, online groups allow us to connect to friends in similar situations.

The best part is when our online friends turn into real life friends. With how often we move, the chances are good that one day soon you’ll bump into a Facebook friend IRL.

What medals, ribbons or awards do you think military spouses earn during their military life journey? Tell us in the comments section.